Public health is encouraging people who live in British Columbia to participate in the third SPEAK survey and share their priorities for health and well-being in their communities.
This year’s survey also asks participants about their experiences with extreme weather-related events. The goal is to learn what supports are needed in B.C. communities to promote health and reduce inequities.
Over the next two months, public health in all regions will be promoting the survey with the goal of hearing from people in communities throughout the province. Health authorities are working to increase participation among older populations and harder-to-reach populations such as those who are experiencing homelessness.
For the third year, the SPEAK survey is funded by the BCCDC Foundation for Public Health.
- Approximately 400,000 people participated in the first COVID-19 SPEAK survey in May 2020, and approximately 200,000 participated in the second survey in April 2021.
- The survey is available in 11 languages: English, French, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Punjabi, Farsi, Arabic, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, and American Sign Language.
- The survey will be open for two months, beginning April 25, 2023.
- Past surveys have helped to inform and prioritize supports and initiatives such as:
- Modelling vaccine projections, informing and targeting interventions to areas with high rates of vaccine hesitancy, and informing COVID-19 vaccine program decisions and equity considerations.
- Modelling the impact of the pandemic and informing restart plans.
- Discussions about virtual and in-person health care.
- Discussions with community stakeholders to target support and initiatives to improve mental health.
- A
report on the pandemic’s impacts on the health and well-being young adults aged 18-29 years and priorities for supporting people in this age group.
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Monitoring and reporting on the societal consequences of the pandemic to understand how COVID-19 response measures have affected individuals and communities in British Columbia.
- Using survey findings about mental wellness to inform policy and programming priorities such as funding community grants for the implementation of initiatives aimed at improving mental wellness in children and youth.
- Results from rounds 1 and 2 of SPEAK are available on the
COVID-19 Speak Dashboard
Representatives from all health authorities, BCCDC and the BCCDC Foundation for Public Health are available for media interviews:
“The SPEAK survey is an essential tool in helping us better understand the health and well-being of our communities and provides an opportunity for British Columbians to have their voices heard. By participating in the SPEAK survey, individuals can help improve the health of their communities and ensure that the Government's policies and programs will provide better access to health care.”
- Adrian Dix, Minister of Health
“The past few years have been difficult, and we’ve all seen changes in our health and communities. Over the next month, we encourage you to take 20 to 30 minutes to participate in the SPEAK survey. The information you share will help us support you and your community to promote health and reduce inequities for British Columbians.”
- Dr. Geoff McKee, Medical Director, Population and Public Health, BC Centre for Disease Control
“By funding the first two SPEAK surveys and dashboards, the BCCDC Foundation for Public Health worked with our partners to dramatically improve pandemic planning and response. By funding the SPEAK 3 survey, we will continue to support a deeper understanding of the experiences of those facing worsening inequities to inform a sustainable and equitable path forward as we continue to ensure our work improves the lives of all who live in British Columbia.”
- Kristy Kerr, Executive Director, BCCDC Foundation for Public Health
“By filling out the SPEAK survey, you will be sharing unique insights into how your health and your community’s well-being has changed that may help First Nations Health Authority and our health partners in developing emergency response planning that better fits the needs of First Nations people in British Columbia.”
- Dr. Nel Weiman, Acting Chief Medical Officer, First Nations Health Authority
“The past few years have been difficult for all of us within the Fraser Health region. Sharing your experiences will help identify what support is needed, and where it is needed the most, to improve the health of your community. I encourage everyone to participate in the survey and support family members who may need help with it.”
- Dr. Maulik Baxi, Medical Health Officer, Fraser Health
“We strongly encourage everyone living within Interior Health to take a few moments and complete this important health survey, ensuring your voice is heard. Information gleaned will help guide future public health planning and programming for years to come.”
- Dr. Martin Lavoie, Interim Chief Medical Health Officer, Interior Health
“In the spirit of recovery, we encourage people throughout the Island Health region to participate in this round of the SPEAK survey. Your input is invaluable to understand population health needs, and promote health and wellness for our diverse communities.”
- Dr. Réka Gustafson, Chief Medical Health Officer, Island Health
“We encourage Northerners to take the time to participate in the survey and share about their personal and community health and well-being. This information is valuable for informing community health priorities.”
- Dr. Jong Kim, Chief Medical Health Officer for Northern Health
“This third round of the SPEAK survey is an opportunity for us to hear more from groups who were under-represented in earlier rounds. Understanding the experiences of rural communities, different ethnicities, and people with lower income and education is really important, and it helps to ensure that support and services are available where they're most needed."
- Dr. Moliehi Khaketla, Medical Health Officer for Coastal Rural, Vancouver Coastal Health
The BC Centre for Disease Control, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, provides public health leadership through surveillance, detection, treatment, prevention and consultation services. The Centre provides diagnostic and treatment services for people with diseases of public health importance, and analytical and policy support to all levels of government and health authorities. The BCCDC also provides health promotion and prevention services to reduce the burden of chronic disease, preventable injury and environmental health risks. For more, visit www.bccdc.ca or follow us on Twitter @CDCofBC.
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) provides specialized health care services and programs to communities across British Columbia, the territories of many distinct First Nations. We are grateful to all the First Nations who have cared for and nurtured this land for all time, including the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səlil̓w̓ətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations on whose unceded and ancestral territory our head office is located. We work in partnership with other B.C. health authorities and the provincial government to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. For more information, visit www.phsa.ca or follow us @PHSAofBC.
The
BCCDC Foundation for Public Health is a
public health charity, and independent non-governmental organization, supporting and implementing evidence-based and equity-driven research, practice, and policy initiatives that have an immediate impact on the health of people in British Columbia. Working in partnership with public health in BC, we bring together philanthropy, funding, partnerships, engagement, and advocacy to advance programs and projects grounded in BC's public health priorities and most pressing public health needs. Our vision is a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for all. For more, visit
www.bccdcfoundation.org or follow
@BCCDCFoundation.
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Media contact
Heather Amos
Communications, BCCDC
Provincial Health Services Authority
Heather.amos@phsa.ca | 604.707.2412
PHSA Media line: 778.867.7472
